If you have allergies, you likely look forward to winter as it gives you protection from the pollen, ragweed and other pervasive outdoor allergies that begin in the spring and often last through the fall. But maybe you’ve noticed that your allergy symptoms really haven’t taken a break this year, even in the harsh cold. It’s likely, then, that something indoors is causing your symptoms. Here are some tips for banishing winter allergy triggers:
Change the filter
Depending upon where you live, you’ll likely be running your furnace frequently to stay warm in the winter chill. Make sure to change your filter once a month to prevent it from spewing allergen-causing dust particles into the air each time the heat turns on. Consider also using a HEPA air filter to drastically reduce the amount of dust particles in your home.
Mind the pets
Even if you don’t start sneezing and break out into hives the second a cat enters the room, pet dander still might be causing a minor allergic reaction for you. Here are some tips for avoiding allergens from your pets:
- Keep your bedroom a pet-free zone.
- Brush and bathe your pets regularly.
- Sweep and vacuum daily to reduce pet hair and dander.
- Avoid using carpets and rugs in areas that pets frequent, which can hold onto the hair and dander.
Keep your bedroom a sanctuary
Aside from keeping pets out of your bedroom, avoid having dust-attracting rugs. Additionally, don’t keep plants in your bedroom because they can attract both dust mites and mold. Wash your bed linens weekly in very hot water, which should be above 130 degrees Fahrenheit. This will kill dust mites. You can also purchase hypoallergenic pillow covers for extra protection.
Dehumidify
You can keep your indoor humidity level between 30 and 40 percent by installing an exhaust fan in your kitchen and bedroom. You can also use a dehumidifier for particularly moist rooms – especially those that are in basements. Lowering the humidity of your home can prevent the growth of mold, which can cause difficulty breathing.
Difference between a cold and allergies
It’s also good to know whether you’re experience the common cold or an allergic reaction because the symptoms are often similar. However, whereas a person with a cold might have body aches, sinus headaches and even a fever, these are not symptoms of an allergic reaction. Additionally, cold symptoms come on quickly and taper off, but untreated allergy symptoms often last quite awhile. Also, people with allergies often have itchiness in their throat, nose, eyes or other places on their bodies, which is not true of someone with a cold.
